Disk device including a lifting frame for disk handling

ABSTRACT

An optical disk drive is loaded with a disk set in a chuck position upon entry through an insertion slot by automatic loading. A lifting frame is movable between high and low positions in an opening of a base panel. A disk driving unit is disposed on the lifting frame for chucking and rotating the disk. A leading segment is connected with the lifting frame, and raises a distal end of a periphery of the disk from the insertion slot by forming a slope. The leading segment extends in the insertion direction of the disk, and has an end positioned beside the disk driving unit. The end of the leading segment is kept higher than an upper surface of the lifting frame when the lifting frame is in the low position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a disk device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a disk device of a slot-in type which has an insertion slot, and is loaded with a disk inserted through the insertion slot.

2. Description Related to the Prior Art

An optical disk is an information recording medium for use in a computer system or other electronic equipment for storing information of a considerable amount, for example, CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW/RAM/+R/+RW. An optical disk drive or player as optical disk device is loaded with the optical disk, and accesses the optical disk to write information to or read information from the optical disk. Two types of the optical disk drives are known, including a tray type and a slot-in type. The tray type includes a disk tray, which is movable into and out of the optical disk drive, and receives the optical disk. When the optical disk is contained and set on the disk trays, the disk tray is entered in the optical disk drive. The optical disk is set in a chuck position by the disk tray, and is clamped by the turntable and a chuck head. For writing and reading, the turntable rotates the optical disk.

In the slot-in type, no disk tray is used. It is possible structurally to reduce a thickness and size of the optical disk drive with advantages for use in electronic apparatuses. To load the slot-in type with an optical disk, a user enters a first half of the optical disk through an insertion slot formed in a front bezel of the optical disk drive. In response to the entry through the insertion slot, a loading mechanism is started and advance the disk inclusive of the second half automatically into the optical disk drive. To unload the optical disk from the slot-in type, a user depresses an ejection pushbutton. The loading mechanism presses out the second half of the disk out of the insertion slot at least partially. Then the user is enabled to remove the disk away from the optical disk drive.

JP-A 2002-117604 discloses an optical disk drive of a slot-in type. In FIGS. 65 and 66, a loading mechanism the optical disk drive of the document is illustrated. In FIG. 65, a disk D is entered through an insertion slot. A contact pin 100 a is pressed by the disk D, to move a first pivot lever 100 pivotally in an arrow direction 100A. Then a holding pin 103 a of a second pivot lever 103 supports a peripheral edge of the disk D, which is regulated in the height direction. The second pivot lever 103 is pressed by the disk D and rotates in an arrow direction 103A. Immediately after this, guide walls 101 and 102 regulate the disk D for control of its orientation in the lateral direction.

When the second pivot lever 103 rotates in an arrow direction 104A, a detection switch 105 is turned on. A driving mechanism 106 is responsive to an output of the detection switch 105, to move a first slider 107 in an arrow direction 107A. A slide link lever 109 is kept movable about a pivot pin 110. A second slider 108 is connected by the slide link lever 109 to the first slider 107. Also, the first slider 107 supports the first pivot lever 100 in a cantilever manner. When the first slider 107 moves back, the second slider 108 advances in an arrow direction 108A.

A cam follower pin 100 b is guided by a cam groove 107 a of the first slider 107 upon moving back of the first slider 107. The first pivot lever 100 rotates about a rotational center 100 c in an arrow direction 100B. The contact pin 100 a at the end of the first pivot lever 100 contacts and moves the disk D toward pad pins 111 a and 111 b in a positioning pad 111. Then the second pivot lever 103 rotates together with the first pivot lever 100. The holding pin 103 a rotates in the arrow direction 103A while supporting the disk D. The disk D reaches the chuck position of contacting the pad pins 111 a and 111 b of the positioning pad 111. After this, the holding pin 103 a moves away slightly from the disk D. See FIG. 66.

A chuck head 112 is movable up and down, and chucks the disk D set in the chuck position. A spindle motor 114 has an output shaft. A turntable 113 is fixed on the output shaft. The chuck head 112 is a part of a unit including the turntable 113. Also, there is a movable frame (not shown) on which the spindle motor 114 is supported. The movable frame is moved up and down by a vertical shifter.

For the purpose of unloading of the disk D, the loading mechanism operates in a sequence reverse to the above-described sequence of the loading. In the state of FIG. 66, a command signal for moving out of the disk D is entered. The driving mechanism 106 operates in the reverse direction. The first slider 107 advances in an arrow direction 107B. In response, the second slider 108 starts moving back in an arrow direction 108B. The disk D is supported by the contact pin 100 a and the holding pin 103 a, and moved out of the optical disk drive.

For the purpose of reliable loading, a disk for the optical disk drive of the slot-in type requires being oriented horizontally in entry through the insertion slot. However, some user may orient the disk with a tilt in the entry in the insertion slot. A distal end half of the disk, which advances in the insertion direction, is tilted either upwards or downwards.

If a disk is entered with a downward tilt, a distal end half of the disk may enter a space under an arm, which may be damaged or broken. If the disk rubs a chuck head during the insertion, a recording surface of the disk may be damaged to make it impossible to write or read. Reliability of the optical disk drive is considerably low. If a disk is inserted with an upward tilt, failure may occur in capture of the disk with an arm. No automatic loading will start.

A number of attempts have been made to ensure horizontal insertion of a disk. For example, a projecting portion is formed on a proximal portion of a lifting frame on the side of the front bezel, and is shaped with an upward tilt in the insertion direction. The projecting portion regulates the peripheral edge of the disk to prevent the distal end half of the disk from tilting downwards. Also, an additional projection is formed on a top plate of the case chassis to project downwards. The additional projection prevents the distal end half of the disk from tilting upwards.

The projecting portion of the lifting frame is disposed at a corner of the case chassis to prevent interference with an arm which supports and moves the disk. The projecting portion operates effectively for a large disk referred to as 12 cm disk. For a small disk referred to as 8 cm disk, however, the projecting portion is not effective because located outside an insertion path of the small disk.

It is impossible in known optical disk drives to prevent the problem upon entry of the small disk with a downward tilt even the structural compatibility for the large and small disks. If a optical disk drive is specialized for use with the large disk, it is necessary to avoid erroneous use of the small disk. The use of a holder and a stopper is known. The holder is secured to an end of a disk support arm for moving the disk. The stopper is associated with the holder for blocking entry of the small disk.

There is no known technique of altering orientation of any of the large and small disks even in the entry with a downward tilt for safe insertion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a disk device capable of altering orientation of any of large and small disks even in the entry with a downward tilt.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a disk device in which a distal end half of a disk can smoothly move past a chuck head.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a disk device in which a leading segment is used, guides a distal end half of a disk by raising the distal end half during the entry, and shifts in an offset state from the disk to prevent application of load to the disk during rotation.

In order to achieve the above and other objects and advantages of this invention, a disk device for rotating a disk set in a chuck position and for writing and reading on the disk is provided. In a loading step, the disk entered through an insertion slot of a case is moved to the chuck position by plural arms disposed on a base panel, and in an unloading step, the disk of the chuck position is moved to an ejection position where a proximal end of the disk protrudes externally from the insertion slot.

In the disk device, a lifting frame is disposed in an opening in the base panel, for moving between a high position and a low position, the lifting frame being settable in a disk rotating position slightly lower than the high position.

A disk driving unit is secured to the lifting frame, for chucking the disk set in the chuck position while the lifting frame moves to the high position, for releasing the disk from being chucked while the lifting frame moves to the low position, and for rotating the disk being chucked while the lifting frame is set in the disk rotating position.

A leading segment raises a distal end of a periphery of the disk entered through the insertion slot by forming a slope, the leading segment being disposed on the lifting frame, and having a distal end portion disposed beside the disk driving unit to extend in an insertion direction of the disk, the distal end portion being kept higher than an upper face of the lifting frame when the lifting frame is in the low position.

A front end of the lifting frame is nearer to the insertion slot, and a rear end of the lifting frame is provided with the disk driving unit and is movable up and down with reference to the front end, and the rear end when in the low position is lower than the base panel.

The disk driving unit includes a spindle motor secured to the lifting frame. A turntable is secured to an output shaft of the spindle motor. A chuck head is disposed to protrude from the turntable, for chucking a center hole of the disk, the chuck head being entered in the center hole while the lifting frame moves to the high position, and being removed from the center hole while the lifting frame moves to the low position.

The distal end portion of the leading segment is away from a lower surface of the disk when the lifting frame is in the disk rotating position.

In one preferred embodiment, when the lifting frame is in the low position, the chuck head is positioned higher than the base panel, and the distal end portion of the leading segment is substantially flush with or higher than the chuck head.

The distal end portion of the leading segment extends on the turntable and is opposed to an unrecorded region defined on the disk about the center hole.

A distal end portion of the leading segment has a ridge for protruding upwards to reduce an area of contact with the lower surface of the disk.

A proximal end of the leading segment nearer to the insertion slot is secured to the lifting frame and is substantially flush with the lifting frame.

In another preferred embodiment, furthermore, a retainer receives the distal end portion of the leading segment while the lifting frame moves from the disk rotating position to the low position, to stop movement of the distal end portion forcibly, wherein the retainer, when the lifting frame is in the low position, keeps the distal end portion substantially flush with or higher than the chuck head, and when the lifting frame is in the disk rotating position, allows the distal end portion of the leading segment to become lower than the turntable.

The retainer is a release pin secured to the case, for separating the center hole of the disk from the chuck head by receiving a lower surface of the disk with the distal end of the leading segment while the lifting frame moves from the disk rotating position to the low position.

The lifting frame has an aperture in which the spindle motor is disposed.

The distal end portion of the leading segment includes a tongue for extending downwards, and a retaining end positioned on the tongue with a bend, and while the lifting frame moves from the disk rotating position to the low position, the retaining end is pressed down by an edge of the aperture of the lifting frame in receiving the distal end portion of the leading segment with the retainer, for smoothly curving and directing the slope upwards.

Furthermore, a pivotally movable disk support arm has a holder groove for supporting the periphery of the disk, wherein in the loading step, the disk support arm causes the holder groove to receive the periphery entered through the insertion slot, to move the disk to the chuck position, and in the unloading step, the disk support arm moves the disk from the chuck position to the ejection position.

The disk support arm has a projection formed to protrude downwards, and the projection, while the disk support arm stands by for disk insertion from the insertion slot, is positioned in an opening of the base panel, and in the loading step, comes to abut the base panel to move the holder groove higher.

The projection comes to abut the base panel when the holder groove moves past the turntable.

The distal end portion of the leading segment has a tongue extending downwards, and an end of the tongue is secured to a lower face of the case directly or indirectly.

In a preferred embodiment, a disk device has plural arms for moving a disk in and out through an insertion slot, and a disk driving unit for rotating the disk, the disk driving unit including a turntable on which a chuck head protrudes, and a spindle motor for rotating the turntable. In the disk device, a lifting frame has the spindle motor secured thereto, for moving up and down to cause the chuck head to latch or unlatch a center hole of the disk. A leading segment is disposed on the lifting frame, and having a distal end portion disposed beside the turntable to extend in an insertion direction of the disk and away from the lifting frame, the distal end portion being kept higher than an upper face of the lifting frame when the lifting frame is positioned low, for preventing a distal end of a periphery of the disk from tilting downwards upon entry through the insertion slot.

The leading segment includes a tongue for extending downwards, and a retaining end positioned on the tongue, and while the lifting frame moves down, the retaining end is pressed down by an edge of the aperture of the lifting frame, for smoothly forming a slope of the distal end portion.

Consequently, the disk device of the invention is capable of altering orientation of any of large and small disks even in the entry with a downward tilt. As the distal end half of a disk can smoothly move past a chuck head, a recorded region of the disk can be free from being damaged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an optical disk drive of a slot-in type;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the optical disk drive of which an upper panel is eliminated;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan illustrating the optical disk drive as viewed from the bottom of a base panel;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective illustrating a loading slider;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective illustrating the loading slider and a guide plate;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective illustrating a transmission mechanism as viewed from the bottom of the base panel;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective illustrating a gear tooth disk;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a rack sliding mechanism as viewed from the bottom of the base panel;

FIG. 9 is a plan illustrating a loading mechanism before entry of a disk as viewed from the top of the base panel;

FIGS. 10-15 are plans illustrating the loading mechanism in steps of a sequence where a large disk is moved;

FIGS. 16-22 are bottom plans illustrating an arm driving component in steps of a sequence where the large disk is moved as viewed from the bottom of the base panel;

FIGS. 23-28 are plans illustrating the loading mechanism in steps of a sequence where a small disk is moved;

FIGS. 29-34 are bottom plans illustrating the arm driving component in steps of a sequence where the small disk is moved;

FIGS. 35A-35E are sections illustrating the optical disk drive in which a movable frame is moving up;

FIGS. 36A-36E are sections illustrating the optical disk drive in which a movable frame is moving down;

FIGS. 37A-37C are explanatory views illustrating operation of the gear tooth disk;

FIGS. 38A-38D are explanatory views illustrating operation of arms in steps of a sequence where the large disk is moved;

FIGS. 39A-39D are explanatory views illustrating operation of a loading arm;

FIGS. 40A-40F are explanatory views illustrating operation of a loading slider and a follower pin;

FIGS. 41A and 41B are explanatory views illustrating a lock lever;

FIG. 42 is a plan illustrating the loading mechanism of which the lock lever is eliminated;

FIG. 43 is an explanatory view illustrating a main portion of the loading mechanism of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is an explanatory view illustrating correlation of elements in the main portion of the loading mechanism;

FIG. 45 is an explanatory view illustrating changes in torque;

FIG. 46 is an explanatory view illustrating operation of the main portion of the loading mechanism;

FIG. 47 is a plan illustrating the loading mechanism with failure in automatic loading of the small disk;

FIG. 48 is a plan illustrating the loading mechanism in a state of a disk support arm in the ready position;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view illustrating a return mechanism;

FIG. 50 is an exploded perspective illustrating a link arm;

FIG. 51A is a plan illustrating the link arm in a locked state;

FIG. 51B is a plan illustrating the link arm in a released state;

FIG. 52 is a plan illustrating a main portion of the embodiment in a middle phase of the disk unloading;

FIG. 53 is a plan illustrating the same as FIG. 52 but in a completion phase of the disk unloading;

FIG. 54 is a plan illustrating the same as FIG. 52 but in a state of a disk support arm in the ready position;

FIGS. 55A-55C are partial sections illustrating steps of upward movement of the disk support arm having a lower projection;

FIG. 56 is an explanatory view illustrating movement of a holder of the disk support arm;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred optical disk device having a leading segment;

FIG. 58 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the leading segment;

FIGS. 59A-59E are sections illustrating steps of the release of the disk from chucking by means of the leading segment;

FIG. 60 is an explanatory view in section illustrating steps of upward movement of the distal end of the periphery of the disk with the leading segment;

FIG. 61 is an explanatory view in section illustrating the rise of the distal end of the periphery of the disk by use of the leading segment;

FIGS. 62A-62E are sections illustrating steps of chucking the disk;

FIGS. 63A and 63B are explanatory views illustrating a preferred embodiment in which an end of the leading segment is fastened on the case chassis;

FIG. 64 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred optical disk drive specialized for the large disk;

FIG. 65 is a plan illustrating the optical disk drive of a known construction in a middle phase of the disk loading;

FIG. 66 is a plan illustrating the same as FIG. 65 but in a completion phase of the disk loading.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In FIG. 1, an optical disk drive 1 or player as optical disk device of a slot-in type is illustrated. A case chassis 2 of the optical disk drive 1 is constructed in a shielded state. Elements are contained in the case chassis 2, including a loading mechanism for a disk, a recording/playback device for the disk, and the like. A center opening 2 a is formed in the top panel of the case chassis 2. A projection 2 b projects from the inside of the center opening 2 a. A front bezel 3 is secured to a front opening of the case chassis 2. An insertion slot 3 a and through holes 3 b and 3 c are formed in the front bezel 3. The insertion slot 3 a is used for inserting a large disk D1 with a diameter of 12 cm, and a small disk D2 with a diameter of 8 cm. The through holes 3 b and 3 c are used for fail-safe unloading at the time of emergency. An ejection pushbutton 4 is disposed on the front bezel 3 for moving out the large or small disks D1 or D2 through the insertion slot 3 a. A loading indicator 5 is secured to the front bezel 3 for indicating the status of the optical disk drive 1.

In FIG. 2, a state of the optical disk drive 1 of which the top panel is removed is illustrated. A base panel 6 is disposed horizontally to split the inside of the case chassis 2. An opening 6A is formed in the base panel 6 and extends downwards from the center with an inclination. A movable lifting frame 7 is disposed in the opening 6A. A cushioning support mechanism or pad 8 of a known structure secures the lifting frame 7 to the base panel 6 at plural points to keep the lifting frame 7 movable up and down at the center of the optical disk drive 1. A portion of the lifting frame 7 near to the front bezel 3 is a support portion for pivotally moving the lifting frame 7. Also, an aperture 7A is formed in the lifting frame 7 and extends downwards from the center with an inclination.

A disk driving unit A is disposed at an end of the lifting frame 7 and located in the aperture 7A. The disk driving unit A includes a spindle motor 11, a turntable 10 and a chuck head 9. The spindle motor 11 is secured to an end of the lifting frame 7. The turntable 10 is fixed on an output shaft of the spindle motor 11. The chuck head 9 is a protruding portion on the turntable 10. When the lifting frame 7 moves up, chuck claws 9 a of the chuck head 9 chuck the large or small disk D1 or D2 loaded in the chuck position. After the chucking, the spindle motor 11 drives the large or small disk D1 or D2 to rotate, for writing or reading information. When the lifting frame 7 is moved down, a release pin 71 releases and removes the large or small disk D1 or D2 from the chuck head 9. In short, the chuck head 9 constitutes a spindle of the disk driving unit A.

An optical pickup unit B is secured to the lifting frame 7, and includes an optical pickup head 12 and a carriage 13. The optical pickup head 12 is disposed in the aperture 7A of the lifting frame 7. The carriage 13 is movable and supports the optical pickup head 12. Guide shafts 14 and 15 support the carriage 13 to move the optical pickup head 12 inside the aperture 7A in a radial direction of a large or small disk D1 or D2. In FIG. 3, the guide shafts 14 and 15 have end portions fixed to the rear of the lifting frame 7. A gear train 17 is mechanically connected with a screw shaft 18. A pickup moving motor 16 rotates back and forth, and causes the gear train 17 and the screw shaft 18 to move back and forth the carriage 13.

The loading mechanism for moving the large and small disks D1 and D2 includes plural arms arranged on the base panel 6 in the periphery of the lifting frame 7. An arm driving component is disposed behind the base panel 6, and actuates the loading mechanism. A disk support arm 19 is included in those arms to move a disk in and out, is rotationally movable about a rivet pin 20. A holder 21 is disposed at an end of the disk support arm 19. A holder groove 21 a of the holder 21 holds a peripheral edge of a large or small disk D1 or D2 to keep the disk position in the vertical direction.

A loading arm 22 is disposed to move a large disk D1 into the optical disk drive 1. A link lever 24 is connected by a pivot pin 23 with the loading arm 22, which is caused by the link lever 24 to swing. A loading roller 22 a is secured to an end of the loading arm 22. A lateral edge of a proximal end half of the large disk D1 is pressed by the loading roller 22 a to move the large disk D1 into the optical disk drive 1.

A pivot pin 26 is secured to the base panel 6 in a rotatable manner. A guide arm 25 moves pivotally about the pivot pin 26. A holding pin 25 a is fixedly retained on the guide arm 25 to extend downwards, and supports a peripheral edge of the small disk D2 for movement to the chuck position. There is a rivet pin 28, about which a guide arm 27 rotates. A holding pin 27 a is fixedly retained on the guide arm 27 to extend downwards. The holding pin 27 a supports a peripheral edge of the large or small disk D1 or D2 for movement to the chuck position. A pin 27 b is fixedly retained on a proximal end of the guide arm 27. The pin 27 b passes a groove in the base panel 6 and protrudes through a rear surface of the base panel 6. A pivot lever 51 has an end where the pin 27 b is secured. A tension coil spring 53 has one end retained on the pin 27 b.

A guide arm 29 is movable pivotally about a rivet pin 30. A holding pin 29 a protrudes from the guide arm 29. The holding pin 29 a supports a peripheral edge of the large or small disk D1 or D2, to move to the chuck position. A tension coil spring 31 biases a link lever 33, which swings about a rivet pin 32. A lever pin 33 a protrudes from the link lever 33. A slot 29 e is formed in the guide arm 29, and receives the lever pin 33 a in engagement. An end of the guide arm 29 is biased toward the center or toward the chuck head 9 by means of the lever pin 33 a and the slot 29 e. A guide arm 35 has a follower pin 35 b or arm pin. A guide groove 29 c is formed in the guide arm 29, and receives the follower pin 35 b in engagement. There is a rivet pin 36 about which the guide arm 35 moves pivotally. A holding pin 35 a protrudes from the guide arm 35, and supports a peripheral edge of the large or small disk D1 or D2 to move to the chuck position.

A lock lever 37 moves pivotally about a rivet pin 38. An angle portion or hook 37 a is an end of the lock lever 37. A tongue 29 b protrudes from the guide arm 29, and is retained by the angle portion or hook 37 a. A wire spring 39 biases the angle portion or hook 37 a of the lock lever 37 constantly in a direction toward the center. A stopper 40 regulates the movement of the lock lever 37.

A lead wire 41 is disposed to extend on a lower side of the front bezel 3, and has an end connected with the rear end of the lock lever 37. A retaining end 41 a of the lead wire 41 is bent in an erect shape, and extends toward the insertion slot 3 a of the front bezel 3. When the large disk D1 is entered through the insertion slot 3 a, the lead wire 41 shifts horizontally in parallel with the front bezel 3, because the peripheral edge of the large disk D1 presses the retaining end 41 a. The lock lever 37 is driven to swing the angle portion or hook 37 a in the outward direction. The tongue 29 b of the guide arm 29 is free from being captured. In insertion of the small disk D2, the lead wire 41 does not move. The angle portion or hook 37 a remains positioned so as to retain the tongue 29 b. There is a lever arm 42. See FIG. 3. A retaining tongue 42 a is a portion of the lever arm 42, and regulates the position of the guide arm 27.

Guide arms are disposed on the base panel 6. In FIG. 3, the arm driving component is disposed on the rear of the base panel 6, and drives the guide arms. A loading slider 43 is indicated by the phantom line, and is a main element of the arm driving component, and extends inside a side wall of the optical disk drive 1. The loading slider 43 slides back and forth to control all the arms related to moving large and small disks D1 and D2.

In FIG. 4, the loading slider 43 and other relevant elements are illustrated. The loading slider 43 has a long shape. A rack gear 43 a is formed at a front end portion of the loading slider 43. A guide groove 43 b is formed in a rear end portion of the loading slider 43, and includes a first groove end region 43 b-1, a second groove end region 43 b-2, and a longitudinal region 43 b-3. A stepped portion is formed in the middle of the longitudinal region 43 b-3.

A follower pin 45 a or lever pin protrudes from a first pivot lever 45, and is inserted in the first groove end region 43 b-1. There is a rivet pin 44 about which the first pivot lever 45 rotates. A follower pin 47 a or lever pin protrudes from a second pivot lever 47, and is inserted in the longitudinal region 43 b-3. There is a rivet pin 46 about which the second pivot lever 47 rotates. A slot 48 a is formed in a slider 48. A driving pin 47 b of the second pivot lever 47 is inserted in the slot 48 a.

Guide grooves 43 c-1 and 43 c-2 are formed in the middle of the loading slider 43. An inclination is formed at the rear end of the guide groove 43 c-1. An inclination is formed at each of the rear and front ends of the guide groove 43 c-2. A follower pin 29 d or arm pin of the guide arm 29, while the loading slider 43 remains advanced in the foremost position, is positioned at an open portion of the rear inclined end of the guide groove 43 c-2.

A guide groove 43 d drives the link lever 24 to shift the loading arm 22 in response to moving of the large disk D1. In FIG. 5, a guide plate 49 is secured to the base panel 6 to overlap on the guide groove 43 d. A guide slot 49 a is formed in the guide plate 49. A follower pin 24 a or lever pin is formed at an end of the link lever 24, and is inserted in the guide slot 49 a and the guide groove 43 d. The follower pin 24 a is controlled for operation by a cooperation of the guide groove 43 d moving back and forth and the guide slot 49 a being stationary.

A cam groove 43 e is formed in the loading slider 43. A follower pin 7 a protrudes from the lifting frame 7. The cam groove 43 e faces on the lifting frame 7, and moves up and down the follower pin 7 a by engagement. The cam groove 43 e in a combined shape includes a lower cam end 43 e-1, an inclined region 43 e-2, and an upper cam end 43 e-3. The lower cam end 43 e-1 is used to keep the lifting frame 7 positioned low. The inclined region 43 e-2 moves the lifting frame 7 up or down. The upper cam end 43 e-3 is used to keep the lifting frame 7 positioned high.

In FIG. 6, a follower pin 7 b protrudes from the lifting frame 7. A cam groove 48 c of the slider 48 receives the follower pin 7 b for controlling moving up and down the lifting frame 7. The cam groove 48 c includes a lower cam end 48 c-1, an inclined region 48 c-2 and an upper cam end 48 c-3. The lower cam end 48 c-1 sets the lifting frame 7 in a low position. The inclined region 48 c-2 moves up or down the lifting frame 7. The upper cam end 48 c-3 sets the lifting frame 7 in a high position.

An end pin 51 a protrudes from the pivot lever 51. A slot 48 b is formed in the slider 48, and receives the end pin 51 b. A link wire 52 has a wire end 52 a, which is secured to the end pin 51 b. A hole 45 b is formed in the first pivot lever 45. A remaining wire end 52 b of the link wire 52 is fitted and retained in the hole 45 b. The pivot lever 51 is biased by the tension coil spring 53 in the counterclockwise direction. A cam portion 48 d is formed on a side of the slot 48 b for actuating the lever arm 42.

An extendable link arm 54 is connected between a gear tooth disk 59 and the first pivot lever 45. Two link arm members 54 a and 54 b constitute the extendable link arm 54 as arm length adjuster. A fastener 55 connects the link arm member 54 a to the first pivot lever 45. A tension coil spring 56 biases the link arm member 54 b, which is kept slidable on the link arm member 54 a. Elongation and shortening of the extendable link arm 54 enables the disk support arm 19 to move from the advance position to the ready position while the loading slider 43 is stopped after the moving out of the disk on the loading slider 43 is completed. Even when the small disk D2 advances into the insertion slot 3 a with an inclination, automatic loading is possible because the disk support arm 19 contacts and receives the peripheral edge of the small disk D2.

In FIG. 7, a through hole 54 b-1 is formed in the link arm member 54 b. A through hole 19 b is formed in a rotational proximal portion or arm plate 19 a of the disk support arm 19. A through hole 59 a is formed in the gear tooth disk 59. A pivot pin 57 is inserted in the through holes 54 b-1, 19 b and 59 a for rotationally supporting the link arm member 54 b, the disk support arm 19, and the gear tooth disk 59. A center hole 19 c is formed in the proximal portion 19 a of the disk support arm 19. A center hole 59 b is formed in the gear tooth disk 59. The rivet pin 20 on the base panel 6 is inserted in the center holes 19 c and 59 b to support the disk support arm 19 and the gear tooth disk 59. Also, a retaining projection 19 d protrudes from the proximal portion 19 a. A retaining opening 59 c is formed in the gear tooth disk 59, and receives insertion of the retaining projection 19 d firmly to fit the proximal portion 19 a on the gear tooth disk 59.

Gear teeth 59 d are formed on a portion of the gear tooth disk 59 opposed to a side of the case chassis 2. Switch driving surfaces 59 e and 59 f are formed with the gear tooth disk 59 in a region distinct from the gear teeth 59 d. A switching projection 60 a of a limit switch 60 is disposed for access by the switch driving surfaces 59 e and 59 f so as to turn on and off the limit switch 60. A circuit board (not shown) is disposed on a lower surface of the case chassis 2, and connected with the limit switch 60.

In FIG. 3, there is a rivet pin 61 about which the lever arm 42 is kept rotatable. The lever arm 42 has the retaining tongue 42 a, which protrudes through an opening of the base panel 6. See FIG. 2. A spring portion 42 b is formed with the lever arm 42. An inner wall 6 a is included in the base panel 6. An end of the spring portion 42 b contacts the inner wall 6 a. An end roller 42 c of the lever arm 42 is biased by the combination of the spring portion 42 b with the inner wall 6 a, in the outward direction away from the chuck head 9. The slider 48 slides to press the end roller 42 c with the cam portion 48 d. The lever arm 42 rotates about the rivet pin 61, to move the retaining tongue 42 a in the outward direction.

A structure for swinging the guide arm 25 is described by referring to FIGS. 2 and 3. The guide arm 25 is secured to an upper end of the pivot pin 26 which extends through the base panel 6 in a rotatable manner. A roller support 62 is disposed behind the base panel 6, and is secured to a lower end of the pivot pin 26. In FIG. 8, a double roller 64 is secured to the roller support 62, and includes a great diameter roll 64 a and a small diameter roll 64 b. A rack sliding mechanism 65 has guide regions. A tension coil spring 63 biases the double roller 64 in a direction to contact the guide regions. As the guide arm 25 rotates together with the roller support 62, the tension coil spring 63 biases in a direction to swing the guide arm 25 toward the center.

The rack sliding mechanism 65 extends inside a side wall of the case chassis 2. A rack gear 65 a is formed on the rack sliding mechanism 65 and is meshed with the gear teeth 59 d of the gear tooth disk 59. The rack sliding mechanism 65 is moved back and force by rotation of the gear tooth disk 59. Also, the rack sliding mechanism 65 includes a low position guide region 65 b and a high position guide region 65 c. The low position guide region 65 b guides the great diameter roll 64 a of the double roller 64. The high position guide region 65 c guides the small diameter roll 64 b.

Those elements are actuated by back and forth movement of the loading slider 43. The various elements are contained in a corner space of the rear inside the optical disk drive 1. See FIG. 3. A loading motor 66 rotates for sliding the loading slider 43 for the purpose of automatic loading. A worm gear 67 is fastened on an output shaft of the loading motor 66. Double gears 68 and 69 transmit rotation of the worm gear 67 to a double gear 70. As a small gear in the double gear 70 is meshed with the rack gear 43 a of the loading slider 43, speed of rotation of the loading motor 66 is reduced while the movement is transmitted to the loading slider 43, which moves back and forth.

The optical disk drive 1 is used to move both of the large and small disks D1 and D2. FIGS. 9-22 are referred to in relation with moving the large disk D1. Then FIGS. 23-34 are referred to in relation with moving the small disk D2. In FIGS. 9-15, the loading mechanism is depicted as viewed from the upside of the base panel 6. Elements of the loading mechanism on the front surface of the base panel 6 are indicated with solid lines. Elements on the rear surface are indicated with phantom lines. In FIGS. 16-22, the arm driving component is depicted as viewed from the rear side of the base panel 6. Elements of the loading mechanism on the front surface of the base panel 6 are indicated with phantom lines. In FIGS. 9-15, the cam grooves 43 e and 48 c and the follower pins 7 a and 7 b are depicted for the purpose of understanding although invisible in an actual state.

In FIGS. 9 and 16, the optical disk drive 1 is ready for insertion of a disk. In the roller support 62, the great diameter roll 64 a of the double roller 64 contacts the low position guide region 65 b of the rack sliding mechanism 65. See FIG. 8. Thus, the guide arm 25 remains stopped in a position which is offset from an innermost arm position close to the center.

Let the optical disk drive 1 stand by for insertion of a disk in a stopped state of the guide arm 25 positioned the nearest to the center. If the small disk D2 is entered in a laterally offset state on the left side inside the optical disk drive 1, the small disk D2 presses the holding pin 25 a toward the center. However, the contact between the low position guide region 65 b and the double roller 64 on the roller support 62 keeps the guide arm 25 from rotating in the direction toward the center. Should the small disk D2 press the holding pin 25 a toward the center, the guide arm 25 will break. In view of this, the guide arm 25 is retracted and set in one position that is offset outwards at a predetermined amount from the position the nearest to the center. The small disk D2 is enabled to pass the holding pin 25 a safely.

Also, the disk support arm 19 is stopped in a ready position that is offset toward the chuck head 9 at a predetermined amount back from the advance position of the time after the disk ejection. The holder 21 is enabled reliably to receive even a small disk D2.

The guide arm 27 is biased by the tension coil spring 53 in a direction to swing the holding pin 27 a toward the center. However, the pivot lever 51 in connection with the pin 27 b is stopped in its position. The guide arm 27 is stopped in the state of FIG. 9. This is because the link wire 52 is a stopper between the first pivot lever 45 and the end pin 51 a of the pivot lever 51 to prevent pivotal movement of the pivot lever 51.

The follower pin 7 a of the loading slider 43 is located in the lower cam end 43 e-1 of the cam groove 43 e. The follower pin 7 b of the lifting frame 7 is located in the lower cam end 48 c-1 of the cam groove 48 c of the slider 48. The lifting frame 7 stands shifted the lowest as illustrated in FIG. 35A.

In FIGS. 10 and 17, the large disk D1 is entering the insertion slot 3 a of the front bezel 3. A distal end of the large disk D1 advances and contacts the holder 21 of the disk support arm 19 and the holding pin 29 a of the guide arm 29. As the large disk D1 presses the holding pin 25 a at the end of the guide arm 25, the guide arm 25 swings from the position of the phantom line toward an outer position in FIG. 10. Also, a lateral edge of the large disk D1 presses the retaining end 41 a of the lead wire 41, to move the lead wire 41 in the direction of the arrow. As the lock lever 37 is driven with the lead wire 41, the angle portion or hook 37 a swings in the arrow direction, and the tongue 29 b of the guide arm 29 is free from being captured.

In FIGS. 11 and 18, the large disk D1 is entered further from the above-described state. The disk support arm 19 and the guide arms 25 and 29 are moved pivotally by the large disk D1 outwards. The proximal portion or arm plate 19 a of the disk support arm 19 rotates about the rivet pin 20 from the state of FIG. 37A to the state of FIG. 37B. The limit switch 60 is shifted by the switch driving surface 59 e of the gear tooth disk 59. The rack sliding mechanism 65 meshed with the gear tooth disk 59 advances slightly.

When the limit switch 60 is shifted by the switch driving surface 59 e, a motor control circuit (not shown) connected with the limit switch 60 applies a low voltage to the loading motor 66. The loading motor 66 is supplied with a low power, and comes to rotate slowly. The loading slider 43 moves back slowly to move the link lever 24. The loading arm 22 is moved pivotally to the position of FIGS. 11 and 18. The loading roller 22 a of the loading arm 22 contacts the peripheral edge of the large disk D1 to stop the loading arm 22.

In an initial phase of the loading, breakage is likely to occur in a moving mechanism if considerable torque is generated in the loading motor 66 by applying a high voltage. In FIG. 11, the loading roller 22 a and the holding pin 25 a of the guide arm 25 diametrically squeeze the large disk D1. A sum of the force component F1 a of the loading arm 22 and force component F1 b of the holding pin 25 a is considerably small. No force sufficient for moving in of the large disk D1 occurs. Also, in FIG. 11, the holding pin 29 a of the guide arm 29 is pressing the lateral edge of the distal end half of the large disk D1.

When a high voltage is applied to the loading motor 66 in this state, the loading arm 22 stops with the large disk D1 held thereon. As the operation of moving in is stopped, it is likely that the loading motor 66 is burned out and broken and the gear train is broken. However, in order to prevent this problem, a small current is caused to flow in the loading motor 66 in the initial phase of the loading operation.

While a low voltage is applied to the loading motor 66, the moving in of the large disk D1 with the loading arm 22 is impossible only by the loading motor 66. Manual force for shifting in the large disk D1 is combined with force of driving of the loading motor 66, so that the large disk D1 is moved in.

In FIGS. 12 and 19, a state of the large disk D1 is illustrated after being further pressed into the optical disk drive 1 by manual operation. Movement of the large disk D1 causes the gear tooth disk 59 of the disk support arm 19 to rotate further. The extendable link arm 54 is driven to move. The first pivot lever 45 swings about the rivet pin 44 to move back the follower pin 45 a. Also, the loading motor 66 moves back the loading slider 43.

In this phase of the operation, the guide arm 29 swings toward the outside to shift the holding pin 29 a away from the large disk D1. This is because the follower pin 29 d of the guide arm 29 receives force on an inclined surface on the end of the guide groove 43 c-1 of the loading slider 43.

The pivot lever 51 regulated by the link wire 52 is caused by the tension coil spring 53 to swing about a rivet pin 50 when the first pivot lever 45 swings. The guide arm 27 moves toward the center. The holding pin 27 a of the guide arm 27 supports the lateral edge of the distal end half of the large disk D1. As the loading slider 43 moves back, the link lever 24 is driven. The loading arm 22 swings toward the center, so that the loading roller 22 a contacts and supports the lateral edge of the proximal end half of the large disk D1. Note that the lifting frame 7 is in the position of FIG. 35A, as the follower pin 7 a of the lifting frame 7 moves horizontally on in the lower cam end 43 e-1 of the cam groove 43 e.

The gear tooth disk 59 of the disk support arm 19 rotates to the position of FIG. 37C. The switch driving surface 59 f shifts the switching projection 60 a of the limit switch 60 to a second position distinct from the first position. A signal is generated by the limit switch 60, to cause the motor control circuit to apply a high voltage to the loading motor 66. A high torque sufficient for moving in of the large disk D1 is generated. The force component F1 a exerted by the loading roller 22 a increases. The force component F1 b exerted by the holding pin 25 a of the guide arm 25 increases. A sum of force F2 occurs as a result of addition of those force components. The automatic loading is started by the loading motor 66.

In FIGS. 13 and 20, a start of automatic loading with the loading motor 66 is illustrated. The loading slider 43 moves back further from the state of FIG. 12. The follower pin 29 d of the guide arm 29 shifts from the inclined region of the loading slider 43 to the guide groove 43 c-1. Thus, the guide arm 29 swings toward the outside further, to set the holding pin 29 a away from the peripheral edge of the large disk D1. In FIGS. 38A, 38B, 38C and 38D, steps of moving the guide arm 29 in sequence are illustrated.

Sliding back of the loading slider 43 drives the link lever 24, to start the loading arm 22 to swing toward the center. In FIGS. 39A, 39B, 39C and 39D, the state of swing of the loading arm 22 is consecutively depicted. The state of FIG. 12 for the loading arm 22 is associated with shifting from the state of FIG. 39A to that state of FIG. 39B.

The follower pin 24 a at the end of the link lever 24 is inserted in the guide groove 43 d of the loading slider 43 and the guide slot 49 a of the guide plate 49. When the loading slider 43 moves back, the follower pin 24 a is squeezed between a rear inclined surface of the guide groove 43 d and the wall of the guide slot 49 a. Thus, the follower pin 24 a moves back upon moving back of the loading slider 43. The link lever 24 swings to move the loading arm 22 pivotally.

During the period until the loading slider 43 slides back to the position of FIG. 13, the first groove end region 43 b-1 of the guide groove 43 b presses up the follower pin 45 a of the first pivot lever 45 which is swung about the rivet pin 44. The gear tooth disk 59 is rotated by use of the extendable link arm 54, to swing the disk support arm 19 toward the outside. The holder 21 supporting the distal end of the large disk D1 moves back upon moving in of the large disk D1. The follower pin 47 a of the second pivot lever 47 is sliding in the longitudinal region of the guide groove 43 b. The second pivot lever 47 and also the slider 48 remain stopped.

During the period from the state of FIG. 12 to the state of FIG. 13, the holding pin 27 a of the guide arm 27 biased by the tension coil spring 53 is moved back by moving in of the large disk D1. See FIG. 13. The guide arm 27 is stopped by contact with the retaining tongue 42 a of the lever arm 42. As the pivot lever 51 moves pivotally to a small extent, the end pin 51 a moves toward the center inside the slot 48 b of the slider 48. The link wire 52 is loosened by reduction of tension.

In contrast, the holding pin 25 a of the guide arm 25 supports a lateral edge of the proximal end half of the large disk D1. The high position guide region 65 c of the rack sliding mechanism 65 advanced by the gear tooth disk 59 is away from the small diameter roll 64 b of the double roller 64. The follower pin 7 a of the lifting frame 7 is moving horizontally in the lower cam end 43 e-1 of the cam groove 43 e. The lifting frame 7 remains positioned as depicted in FIG. 35A as the slider 48 is stopped.

In FIGS. 14 and 21, the large disk D1 is set in the chuck position where the center hole D1 a is positioned at the center of the chuck head 9. As the follower pin 29 d of the guide arm 29 is movable straight in the guide groove 43 c-1 of the loading slider 43. The guide arms 29 and 35 remain stopped in the position of FIG. 14. The center hole D1 a of the large disk D1 is exactly set at the chuck head 9 by positioning the peripheral edge of the large disk D1 with the holding pins 29 a and 35 a.

As the loading slider 43 slides back, the follower pin 45 a of the first pivot lever 45 is pressed up by the first groove end region 43 b-1, and shifts to the longitudinal region 43 b-3. The first pivot lever 45 moves to the position of FIG. 14. The gear tooth disk 59 rotates to cause the disk support arm 19 to move toward the outside rotationally. As the rotation of the gear tooth disk 59 advances the rack sliding mechanism 65 further, the small diameter roll 64 b of the double roller 64 becomes engaged with the high position guide region 65 c. The guide arm 25 moves to a large extent rotationally, for the holding pin 25 a to come away from the peripheral edge of the large disk D1 to terminate supporting. The guide arm 25 moves away from the lifting frame 7 laterally. Consequently, the lifting frame 7 moving up can be free from collision on the guide arm 25.

The large disk D1 presses the holding pin 27 a of the guide arm 27. As the holding pin 27 a is kept stopped by contact with the retaining tongue 42 a of the lever arm 42, a center of the large disk D1 is set to coincide with the center of the chuck head 9 in the horizontal direction. With reference to the vertical direction, a center of the large disk D1 is set to coincide with the center of the chuck head 9 by the holder 21 of the disk support arm 19 stopped as illustrated in FIG. 14, and by the loading roller 22 a of the loading arm 22.

The plural arms, therefore, support the peripheral edge of the large disk D1 upon the start of the automatic loading of the large disk D1, and move the same into the optical disk drive 1. The large disk D1 is set in the chuck position where the center hole D1 a is ready for clamping of the chuck head 9.

In the transition from the state of FIG. 13 to that of FIG. 14, the follower pin 7 a of the lifting frame 7 is caused by moving back of the cam groove 43 e of the loading slider 43 to shift from the lower cam end 43 e-1 to the inclined region 43 e-2, and moves up along the inclined region 43 e-2. Also, the follower pin 47 a of the second pivot lever 47 shifts from the longitudinal region 43 b-3 to the second groove end region 43 b-2 of the loading slider 43, so that the second pivot lever 47 swings toward the outside. As the driving pin 47 b moves the slider 48 horizontally, the cam groove 48 c also moves. The follower pin 7 b of the lifting frame 7 shifts up from the lower cam end 48 c-1 to the inclined region 48 c-2, to start moving up the lifting frame 7. See FIG. 35B.

In FIGS. 15 and 22, a final phase of the loading of the large disk D1 is illustrated. The disk support arm 19, the loading arm 22, the guide arm 27 are structurally swung to such an extent as to come away from the large disk D1 to enable the same for rotation.

While the loading slider 43 remains positioned back from the state of FIG. 14, the follower pin 24 a of the link lever 24 is pressed in a horizontal groove at the rear end of the guide slot 49 a by the eccentric portion of the guide groove 43 d disposed in its rear. The link lever 24 shifts to a small extent in reverse to its first moving direction. See FIG. 39D. The loading arm 22 swings toward the outside, to come away from the peripheral edge of the large disk D1.

At the same time, the follower pin 45 a of the first pivot lever 45 is slightly swung by an inclined region of the longitudinal region 43 b-3 of the guide groove 43 b. The swing is transmitted by the extendable link arm 54 to the gear tooth disk 59. The disk support arm 19 is rotated toward the outside and reaches a separate position. The disk support arm 19 in the separate position is away from the large disk D1.

The second groove end region 43 b-2 of the guide groove 43 b of the loading slider 43 pushes up the follower pin 47 a of the second pivot lever 47 to a large extent. Then the driving pin 47 b swings toward the outside. The slider 48 slides horizontally for the slot 48 b to drive the end pin 51 a of the pivot lever 51. As the pivot lever 51 swings to a small extent, the cam portion 48 d pushes up the end roller 42 c of the lever arm 42. The retaining tongue 42 a of the lever arm 42 moves back. The guide arm 27 swings toward the outside and away from the peripheral edge of the large disk D1.

An end of the guide groove 43 c-1 of the loading slider 43 presses the follower pin 29 d of the guide arm 29, which swings slightly. The holding pin 29 a of the guide arm 29 rotates toward the outside, and comes away from the peripheral edge of the large disk D1. Also, the guide arm 35 swings in connection with the guide arm 29 by means of the guide groove 29 c and the follower pin 35 b. The holding pin 35 a rotates outwards and comes away from the large disk D1.

During the period from the state of FIG. 14 to the state of FIG. 15, the slider 48 slides horizontally upon moving back of the loading slider 43. The follower pin 7 a of the lifting frame 7 moves from the inclined region 43 e-2 to the upper cam end 43 e-3 in the cam groove 43 e of the loading slider 43. Also, the follower pin 7 b moves from the inclined region 48 c-2 to the upper cam end 48 c-3 in the cam groove 48 c of the slider 48.

In this sequence, the lifting frame 7 moves up as the follower pins 7 a and 7 b are moved up by the inclined regions 43 e-2 and 48 c-2. In FIG. 35C, the chuck claws 9 a of the chuck head 9 press up the large disk D1 in contact with the center hole D1 a, of which an inner edge contacts the projection 2 b of the case chassis 2.

When the follower pins 7 a and 7 b reach the tops of respectively the inclined regions 43 e-2 and 48 c-2, the chuck claws 9 a chuck fully as illustrated in FIG. 35D upon entry of the chuck head 9 in the center hole D1 a of the large disk D1. In the disk driving unit A, the large disk D1 becomes positioned on the turntable 10. Then the follower pins 7 a and 7 b reach respectively the upper cam ends 43 e-3 and 48 c-3. The lifting frame 7 moves down to the position of FIG. 35E, and becomes ready for driving of the large disk D1.

A limit switch (not shown) is turned on by the rear end of the loading slider 43 as the large disk D1 becomes ready for rotation. In response to an output of the limit switch, the motor control circuit turns off the loading motor 66. The spindle motor 11 is energized to rotate the large disk D1. Also, the pickup moving motor 16 rotates to move the optical pickup head 12 in the disk radial direction. Writing and reading of information with the large disk D1 are performed by the optical pickup head 12.

Moving out of the large disk D1 is described now. At first, the ejection pushbutton 4 is depressed. The spindle motor 11 is stopped. The pickup moving motor 16 rotates in a backward direction, to move back the optical pickup head 12 to the initial position of FIG. 3. Then the motor control circuit rotates the loading motor 66 backwards, and advances the loading slider 43 to start unloading of the large disk D1. In response to the advance of the loading slider 43, the various mechanical elements operate in reverse manners to those described above for the loading. In FIGS. 35A-35E, the lifting frame 7 moves up at first, and then moves down to the initial position. The large disk D1 is moved up by the release pin 71 as illustrated in FIG. 36C, and removed from the chuck head 9.

Before releasing of the chucking of the large disk D1, the disk support arm 19, the loading arm 22 and the guide arm 27 start moving toward the center, to support the peripheral edge of the large disk D1. See FIG. 14. Force of swing of the disk support arm 19 toward the center moves out the large disk D1. A proximal end of the large disk D1 is moved to appear in the outside of the insertion slot 3 a of the front bezel 3, to move the large disk D1 to the ejection position. At this time, the limit switch (not shown) is turned on by the end of the loading slider 43. The motor control circuit responsively turns off the loading motor 66, to complete the unloading.

The large disk D1 of which the proximal end has emerged outside is grasped by fingers of a user, and pulled away from the insertion slot 3 a. In FIGS. 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E and 40F, steps of movement of the follower pins 24 a, 29 d, 45 a and 47 a are illustrated during sliding back of the loading slider 43.

Loading of the small disk D2 is described next, by referring to FIGS. 23-28 and FIGS. 29-34 associated with those. In FIGS. 23-28, the cam grooves 43 e and 48 c and the follower pins 7 a and 7 b are illustrated.

The parts of the loading mechanism are in the position of FIGS. 9 and 16 before loading of the small disk D2. In FIGS. 24 and 31, the small disk D2 is moved in through the insertion slot 3 a of the front bezel 3. A distal end of the small disk D2 is received by the holder 21 of the disk support arm 19 set in the ready position. If the small disk D2 is moved in an offset state toward the left in FIG. 23 during the entry through the insertion slot 3 a, the left lateral edge of the proximal end half of the small disk D2 contacts the holding pin 25 a of the guide arm 25 and pushed back toward the right. Thus, the small disk D2 is kept on the moving path without drop.

For insertion of the small disk D2, a right lateral edge of the distal end half of the small disk D2 is likely to press the holding pin 29 a of the guide arm 29 as illustrated in FIG. 41A. The tongue 29 b is retained by the angle portion or hook 37 a of the lock lever 37 as illustrated in FIG. 41B. Thus, the guide arm 29 is kept positioned without moving pivotally. The small disk D2 is guided by the holding pin 25 a of the guide arm 25 and the holding pin 29 a of the guide arm 29, and caused to move to the center of the optical disk drive 1.

In FIGS. 24 and 30, the small disk D2 is moved in further in the insertion. The disk support arm 19 is swung toward the outside by the small disk D2. In response, the holding pin 25 a of the guide arm 25 and the holding pin 29 a of the guide arm 29 come in contact with the peripheral edge of the small disk D2. The small disk D2 becomes held at three points of the holding pins 25 a and 29 a and the holder 21 of the disk support arm 19.

The disk support arm 19 rotates from the position of FIG. 37A to the position of FIG. 37B about the rivet pin 20. The limit switch 60 is actuated by the switch driving surface 59 e of the gear tooth disk 59. The motor control circuit is responsive to a signal from the limit switch 60, and applies low voltage to the loading motor 66 for rotation at a low torque. A force component F1 a is exerted by pressing of the holding pin 29 a of the guide arm 29. The force component F1 b is exerted by the holding pin 25 a of the guide arm 25 biased by the tension coil spring 63. As the small disk D2 is pressed in the inward direction with the sum of the force F2 in addition of the force components F1 a and F1 b, automatic loading with the loading motor 66 is started.

In FIGS. 25 and 31, the start of automatic loading with the loading motor 66 is illustrated. The loading slider 43 moves back from the state of FIG. 24. The follower pin 29 d of the guide arm 29 moves into the guide groove 43 c-2 of the loading slider 43. The inclined region of the guide groove 43 c-2 guides and moves the follower pin 29 d at a distance of the size of the inclined region. The small disk D2 is moved in. The holding pin 29 a moves pivotally to the position of FIG. 25. The tension coil spring 63 moves the guide arm 25 pivotally to the position of FIG. 25 while the small disk D2 is moved in. The gear tooth disk 59 of the disk support arm 19 rotates to the position of FIG. 37C, so that the switching projection 60 a of the limit switch 60 is shifted by the switch driving surface 59 f. The loading motor 66 generates a high torque as the motor control circuit applies high voltage to the loading motor 66.

While the loading slider 43 moves to the position of FIG. 25, the first groove end region 43 b-1 of the guide groove 43 b presses up the follower pin 45 a of the first pivot lever 45. The first pivot lever 45 swings about the rivet pin 44 and causes the extendable link arm 54 to rotate the gear tooth disk 59. The disk support arm 19 moves pivotally toward the outside. The holder 21 supporting the distal end of the small disk D2 moves back. As the follower pin 47 a of the second pivot lever 47 slides in the longitudinal region of the guide groove 43 b, the second pivot lever 47 remains stopped. The slider 48 also remains stopped.

The pivot lever 51 is pivotally moved by the tension coil spring 53 in response to the movement of the first pivot lever 45. The guide arm 27 rotates about the rivet pin 28. The holding pin 27 a of the guide arm 27 contacts and presses the peripheral edge of the small disk D2. The follower pin 7 a of the lifting frame 7 is moving in the lower cam end 43 e-1 of the cam groove 43 e. The slider 48 remains stopped. The lifting frame 7 is still in the state of FIG. 35A.

In FIGS. 26 and 32, the loading slider 43 is further moved back, to continue moving in of the small disk D2. Though the guide arm 29 is stopped, the disk support arm 19 swings outwards together with the small disk D2 according to the slide of the loading slider 43. Also, the guide arms 25 and 27 swing toward the center.

In FIGS. 27 and 33, the small disk D2 is set in the chuck position. A step preceding to the state depicted in those is described. When the loading slider 43 slides back, the disk support arm 19 pivotally moves outwards to come away from the peripheral edge of the small disk D2. The disk support arm 19 causes the gear tooth disk 59 to drive the rack sliding mechanism 65 for advance. The small diameter roll 64 b of the double roller 64 becomes engaged with the high position guide region 65 c of the rack sliding mechanism 65. Thus, the guide arm 25 is swung in the outward direction, and comes away from the peripheral edge of the small disk D2. The guide arm 25 retreats beside the lifting frame 7 and does not overlap on the lifting frame 7. The peripheral edge of the small disk D2 is supported at three points, namely by the holding pin 27 a of the guide arm 27, the holding pin 29 a of the guide arm 29, and the holding pin 35 a of the guide arm 35.

During the period from the state of FIG. 26 to the state of FIG. 27, the cam groove 43 e of the loading slider 43 moves back. The follower pin 7 a of the lifting frame 7 is caused by the cam groove 43 e to shift from the lower cam end 43 e-1 to the inclined region 43 e-2. Also, the follower pin 47 a of the second pivot lever 47 shifts from the longitudinal region 43 b-3 to the second groove end region 43 b-2 in the loading slider 43. So the second pivot lever 47 rotates clockwise in FIG. 33. As the slider 48 moves to the left in FIG. 33, the driving pin 47 b moves horizontally in the cam groove 48 c. The follower pin 7 b of the lifting frame 7 shifts from the lower cam end 48 c-1 to the inclined region 48 c-2. In FIG. 35B, the lifting frame 7 starts moving up.

In FIGS. 28 and 34, a final state of driving the small disk D2 is illustrated in chucking of the chuck head 9 for the center hole D2 a of the small disk D2. The loading slider 43 is stopped after moving back from the position of FIG. 27. The follower pin 47 a is pushed up by the second groove end region 43 b-2, to rotate the second pivot lever 47 in clockwise direction. The end pin 51 a is driven in engagement with the slot 48 b of the slider 48. The pivot lever 51 rotates clockwise in FIG. 34. The guide arm 27 is swung toward the outside, and comes not to support the small disk D2.

The follower pin 29 d of the guide arm 29 is positioned in the inclined region at the end of the guide groove 43 c-2 of the loading slider 43. The guide arm 29 rotates toward the outside to a small extent. The holding pin 29 a comes away from the small disk D2 to terminate supporting. The swing of the guide arm 29 causes the guide arm 35 to swing toward the outside by cooperation of the guide groove 29 c and the follower pin 35 b. The guide arm 35 swings toward the outside, and comes away from the small disk D2 to terminate supporting.

During the period from the-state of FIG. 27 to that of FIG. 28, the slider 48 moves horizontally in response to the backward slide of the loading slider 43. The follower pin 7 a of the lifting frame 7 shifts from the inclined region 43 e-2 to the upper cam end 43 e-3 in the cam groove 43 e of the loading slider 43. Also, the follower pin 7 b shifts from the inclined region 48 c-2 to the upper cam end 48 c-3 of the cam groove 48 c of the slider 48.

In operation, the lifting frame 7 is moved up by engagement of the inclined regions 43 e-2 and 48 c-2 with the follower pins 7 a and 7 b. In FIG. 35C, the chuck claws 9 a of the chuck head 9 contact the center hole D2 a to push up the small disk D2. The peripheral edge of the center hole D2 a contacts the projection 2 b of the case chassis 2.

When the follower pins 7 a and 7 b reach respectively the top of the inclined regions 43 e-2 and 48 c-2, the chuck head 9 in FIG. 35D becomes inserted in the center hole D2 a of the small disk D2. The chuck claws 9 a chuck the small disk D2 finally. The small disk D2 is retained on the turntable 10. Then the follower pins 7 a and 7 b shift to respectively the upper cam ends 43 e-3 and 48 c-3, to move down the lifting frame 7 to the position of FIG. 35E. The small disk D2 is ready to be driven.

When the lifting frame 7 moves down to the position of FIG. 35E, the end of the loading slider 43 turns on the limit switch, to stop the loading motor 66. The spindle motor 11 rotates as described above, to enable writing to and reading from the small disk D2.

To remove the small disk D2, the ejection pushbutton 4 is depressed. In the similar manner to the large disk D1, the loading motor 66 rotates in reverse, to slide forwards the loading slider 43. Upon the start of the loading slider 43, the lifting frame 7 shifts sequentially in the manner of FIGS. 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D and 36E. At first, the lifting frame 7 moves up, and then moves down to the initial position. In FIG. 38C, the small disk D2 during this sequence is pushed up by the release pin 71 and released from chucking with the chuck head 9.

Before release of the small disk D2 from chucking, the guide arms 25, 27 and 29 move pivotally toward the center as illustrated in FIG. 27, and are ready for holding the peripheral edge of the small disk D2. Then the operation is in a sequence reverse to the above described order related to FIGS. 23-26. In the shift of the disk support arm 19 to the advance position, a proximal end of the small disk D2 is shifted to the ejection position defined outside the insertion slot 3 a of the front bezel 3 by moving out the small disk D2. At the same time as this, the front end of the loading slider 43 turns on the limit switch to stop the loading motor 66.

Consequently, it is possible in the optical disk drive 1 of the invention to load disks automatically even with different diameters, because the three points of large and small disks D1 and D2 are supported with plural arms operating upon moving back and forth of the loading slider 43.

To start automatic loading, the disk support arm 19 is required to receive a disk reliably upon entry of the disk through the insertion slot 3 a of the front bezel 3. The guide arm 29 guides the disk toward the disk support arm 19. However, stress may concentrate in an end portion of the guide arm 29 having the holding pin 29 a, specifically when the small disk D2 enters. The guide arm 29 is likely to deform or break.

Occurrence of the mechanical load is described now. In FIG. 23, if the small disk D2 is located with a deviation to the left for insertion through the insertion slot 3 a of the front bezel 3, the holding pin 25 a of the guide arm 25 presses back the left lateral edge of the proximal end half of the small disk D2, and keeps the small disk D2 on its moving path without offsetting. In contrast to this, in FIG. 41A, the right lateral edge of the distal end half of the small disk D2 presses the holding pin 29 a of the guide arm 29 and swings the same toward the outside. In FIG. 41B, the tongue 29 b is retained by the angle portion or hook 37 a of the lock lever 37. Thus, the guide arm 29 can move back the small disk D2 into the moving path.

There is no resiliently supporting mechanism, as the guide arm 29 is prevented forcibly in a mechanical manner by the angle portion or hook 37 a of the lock lever 37 from swinging outwards. When the holding pin 29 a of the guide arm 29 is pressed by insertion of the small disk D2, mechanical load occurs to the tongue 29 b and the angle portion or hook 37 a of the lock lever 37. A contact portion between the tongue 29 b and the angle portion or hook 37 a may break or deform upon a considerable shock due to concentration of stress or the mechanical load, because the tongue 29 b contacts the angle portion or hook 37 a in a point-contact manner. The mechanical load may be also transmitted to other elements in connection with the guide arm 29 and the lock lever 37. Failure is very likely to occur in automatic disk loading, because a great error in the precision may occur as a result of total influence the mechanical load.

In the present construction, there is no use of the lock lever 37 as illustrated in FIG. 41, for the purpose of preventing mechanical load to the guide arm 29 upon insertion of the small disk D2. However, the guide arm 29 should have a structure for regulating the position of the small disk D2 in the lateral direction to prevent offsetting upon insertion into the insertion slot 3 a.

In view of this, a spring for biasing the guide arm 29 characteristically has a great strength instead of using the lock lever 37. The small disk D2 is supported in a cushioned manner with the spring, and is kept positioned in the moving path without offsetting. Various elements in connection with the guide arm 29 may operate very smoothly if the strength of the spring on the guide arm 29 is too great. The bias applied to the guide arm 29 should be determined in a suitably high range in entry of the small disk D2. A further preferred embodiment to satisfy this requirement will be described below.

In FIG. 42, a torsion coil spring 81 is used in place of the tension coil spring 31 for biasing the link lever 33 connected with the guide arm 29. An arm pin 29E is formed on the guide arm 29. A lever groove 33A is formed in the link lever 33, and receives insertion of the arm pin 29E. In FIG. 43, the guide arm 29, the link lever 33 and the torsion coil spring 81 are illustrated in enlargement. A rivet pin 82 protrudes from the case chassis 2, and supports a coil portion of the torsion coil spring 81. The torsion coil spring 81 includes spring end portions 81 a and 81 b. The spring end portion 81 a is retained on a stopper 2 c formed with the case chassis 2. The spring end portion 81 b is connected with a retaining claw 33 b at the rear end of the link lever 33. Note that the spring end portion 81 b should be slidable on the link lever 33 without firmly attaching to the link lever 33.

Force Fa of the bias with resiliency of the torsion coil spring 81 is transmitted by the link lever 33 to the guide arm 29 as force Fb. In the guide arm 29, force Fc of the bias toward the center is exerted at the end of the guide arm 29. The force Fa is proportional to the torque Ts of the torsion coil spring 81. The force Fb is proportional to the torque Tm generated by the link lever 33 about the rivet pin 32. The force Fc is proportional to the torque Ta generated by the guide arm 29 about the rivet pin 30. Note that the lever groove 33A of the link lever 33 is retained by the arm pin 29E of the guide arm 29. The guide arm 29 is stopped in the state of FIG. 43.

Torques Tm and Ta are determined according to the known formula in mechanics as science. On the condition without considering the angle of applied force in the longitudinal direction, torque T is found as T=R·F where R is a length from a rotational center to a point of exertion of force, and F is force. On the basis of the equation, the torque Tm of the link lever 33 is determined as Tm=(Ts/Rs)·Rma

In the equation, Ts is torque applied by the torsion coil spring 81, and Rs is a radius of a retaining point of the spring end portion 81 b from the center of the torsion coil spring 81. Rma is a length from the retaining point of the spring end portion 81 b to the center of the rivet pin 32.

The torque Ta of the guide arm 29 is obtained according to the equation of Ta=(Tm/Rmb)·Ra=(Rma·Ra/Rmb·Rs)·Ts

In the equation, Rmb is a distance from the center of the rivet pin 32 to the arm pin 29E. Ra is a distance from the center of the arm pin 29E to the center of the rivet pin 30. Let d be a distance from the center of the rivet pin 30 to the holding pin 29 a at the end of the guide arm 29. The length d is constant, so that the torque is Ta=d·Fc. Therefore, the force Fc=Ta/d, namely is changeable according to the torque Ta.

In FIG. 45, changes in the lengths Rma, Ra, Rmb and Rs are indicated schematically and associated with states depicted in FIG. 44. Heights of the plotted positions in the columns express values of the lengths Rma, Ra, Rmb and Rs. The length values of the Rma, Ra, Rmb and Rs are considered in combination with the equation Ta=(Rma·Ra/Rmb·Rs)·Ts. When the rotational angle of the guide arm 29 changes from θ1 to θ2, the torque Ta increases. When the rotational angle of the guide arm 29 is θ2, the torque Ta is the highest. Also, the force Fc of biasing is the highest. When the rotational angle of the guide arm 29 changes from θ2 to θ3, the torque Ta decreases. While the guide arm 29 swings, the divisor Rmb·Rs in the fraction expression changes in reverse to the change in the dividend Rma·Ra. Thus, the change in the torque Ta is abrupt.

When the guide arm 29 is positioned at the rotational angle 1, the force Fc of the bias at its end is relatively small. When the guide arm 29 swings toward the outside, the force Fc increases gradually. When the guide arm 29 is at the rotational angle 2, the force Fc of the bias becomes the highest at a peak, and regulates the position of the small disk D2 in the lateral direction.

In FIG. 46, a state of the small disk D2 with a deviation to the right in the insertion slot 3 a of the front bezel 3 is illustrated. Force Fd of the small disk D2 in the entry swings the guide arm 29 from the initial position of the phantom line toward the outside. Thus, the biasing force Fc of the guide arm 29 increases. The biasing force Fc is exerted to press back the small disk D2. Added force Fcd as a sum of components of the biasing force Fc and the force Fd for advance of the small disk D2 is exerted to guide the small disk D2 on the moving path. If the force Fd is small, the small disk d2 is moved back in the direction of ejection.

Consequently, the structure of the guide arm 29 with the force Fc maximized in the middle of the range is effective in obtaining performance of regulating the position of the small disk D2 in the lateral direction and cushioning to the small disk D2. Also, strength of the torsion coil spring 81 can be set at a normal level without excessive value. The simple structure with the guide arm 29 can operate to guide the large disk D1 through the insertion slot 3 a as well as the small disk D2. So the lead wire 41, the lock lever 37 and other elements are not required in the embodiment. The loading mechanism can be constructed simply. Mechanical load is prevented from occurring in the initial phase of the entry of a disk.

To insert the large disk D1 through the insertion slot 3 a, the large disk D1 is entered to the position of FIG. 11 by manual operation of a user. The guide arm 29 swings to the rotational angle of θ2. In the succeeding phase of the automatic loading, the rotational angle changes from θ2 to θ1. The biasing force Fc decreases so no unwanted load is applied to disk moving. In moving out of the large disk D1, the moving is completed before the increase in the biasing force Fc. No unwanted load is applied to the disk moving.

In the optical disk drive 1, the torsion coil spring 81 can cause the guide arm 29 to guide a disk without increase in the load of disk moving. In FIG. 47, exertion of force Fd to the small disk D2 with an inclination is depicted for understanding. The small disk D2 is moved in against the torsion coil spring 81 with the inclination, and thus shifts from the position of the solid line to the position of the phantom line. The holder 21 of the disk support arm 19 contacts the disk on a tangential line of the peripheral edge of the small disk D2. The small disk D2 comes to the position of the phantom line without pressing the holder 21. This is failure in the initial operation of the swing of the disk support arm 19 by the force of the small disk D2. The loading motor 66 does not start, so no automatic loading will start.

In the embodiment, the disk support arm 19 moves back in the inward direction to a small extent in FIG. 48 from the advance position of the phantom line for completion of moving out the large or small disk D1 or D2 toward the ready position indicated by the solid line. In the second position, the holder 21 receives the peripheral edge of the small disk D2 even if there is an inclination of the small disk D2 in the insertion. An initial operation to swing the disk support arm 19 can be reliable.

A range of the swing of the disk support arm 19 from the advance position to the ready position is outside a region controllable by the loading slider 43 in the entry of a disk. An additional structure is required for forcibly swinging back the disk support arm 19. To this end, a return mechanism 90 in FIG. 48 is associated with a rear end of the rack sliding mechanism 65.

A slide plate 91 is a main element of the return mechanism 90. In FIG. 49, the slide plate 91 includes slots 91 a and 91 b and a pressing end 91 c. Rivet pins 92 and 93 are secured to a lower surface of the case chassis 2, and are inserted in the slots 91 a and 91 b for supporting the slide plate 91 in a slidable manner. A region of the slide of the slide plate 91 is restricted by the length of the slots 91 a and 91 b where the rivet pins 92 and 93 are movable. A tension coil spring 94 is secured between a hook end 91 d of the slide plate 91 and the rivet pin 92, to cause the pressing end 91 c to press a rear end of the rack sliding mechanism 65.

When a locking mechanism for keeping the short state of the extendable link arm 54 is released, force of bias of the tension coil spring 94 for the return mechanism 90 is applied actually. A specific structure of the extendable link arm 54 is described now. In FIG. 50, the link arm member 54 b for driving the disk support arm 19 directly has the through hole 54 b-1 which is connected with the gear tooth disk 59 by the pivot pin 57. See FIG. 7.

Stopper projections 54 b-2 protrude from the middle of the link arm member 54 b and extend in opposite directions. Flanges 54 b-3 or ridges are formed on the stopper projections 54 b-2, extend in the longitudinal direction, and have a height that is slightly greater than a wire diameter of a lock spring 54 c. The lock spring 54 c as locking mechanism is a wire member produced by bending with resiliency. A retaining end 54 c-1 is disposed on the lock spring 54 c. A lock end 54 c-2 is a second end of the lock spring 54 c. A hook 54 b-4 is formed on the link arm member 54 b. The retaining end 54 c-1 of the lock spring 54 c is retained on the hook 54 b-4, for the link arm member 54 b to contain the lock spring 54 c. A bend 54 c-3 of the lock spring 54 c exerts force of bias of the spring, to bias the lock end 54 c-2 in an outward direction.

A guide channel 54 a-1 is formed in the link arm member 54 a as two gaps arranged in the width direction of the link arm member 54 a. The link arm member 54 b is inserted in the guide channel 54 a-1 in a slidable manner. In FIG. 51A, a locked state is depicted, in which the lock end 54 c-2 of the lock spring 54 c appears externally through a channel end 54 a-2 of the guide channel 54 a-1. The extendable link arm 54 is kept shortened. In contrast, in FIG. 51B, an unlocked state is depicted. The lock end 54 c-2 is located in the guide channel 54 a-1. The extendable link arm 54 is in an elongated state.

A pressing end 45 c is disposed on the first pivot lever 45 swinging according to moving back and forth of the loading slider 43. In FIG. 51A for the shortened state of the extendable link arm 54, the pressing end 45 c presses the lock end 54 c-2 of the lock spring 54 c, to release the extendable link arm 54 from the shortened state. A hook 54 b-5 protrudes from the link arm member 54 b. The tension coil spring 56 extends between a hook 54 a-3 of the link arm member 54 a and the hook 54 b-5, or between the hook 54 a -3 of the link arm member 54 a and a retaining hook on the lower surface of the case chassis 2. The extendable link arm 54 is biased in a direction toward the shortened state. Force of the bias of the tension coil spring 56 is lower than that of the tension coil spring 94.

In the embodiment, force of bias of the return mechanism 90 is exerted upon release of the shortened state of the extendable link arm 54 described above. Details of this structure are described now. In FIG. 52, moving out of the large or small disk D1 or D2 is illustrated at the time of movement of the disk support arm 19 toward the center. This corresponds to the state of FIGS. 12 and 25.

As described above, the advance of the loading slider 43 causes the extendable link arm 54 to rotate the gear tooth disk 59. In response, the disk support arm 19 moves to the advance position of completing the moving out of the disk. Rotation of the gear tooth disk 59 moves back the rack sliding mechanism 65 from the position of FIG. 52 to the position of FIG. 53. The rack sliding mechanism 65 presses the slide plate 91 in spite of the bias of the tension coil spring 94. When the extendable link arm 54 of the shortened state is unlocked, the pressing end 91 c of the slide plate 91 is caused by the tension coil spring 94 to move forwards the rack sliding mechanism 65. The extendable link arm 54 becomes elongated while the tension coil spring 56 is extended. Also, the gear tooth disk 59 is caused to rotate by the extendable link arm 54 to swing the disk support arm 19 in the outward direction. The holder 21 moves back from the advance position of FIG. 53 to the ready position of FIG. 54, and becomes stopped. A distance in which the slide plate 91 moves forwards the rack sliding mechanism 65 is determined by lengths of the slots 91 a and 91 b of the slide plate 91.

In the final phase of moving out a disk on the disk support arm 19, the disk support arm 19 in FIG. 48 swings to the advance position indicated by the phantom line to complete the unloading. Then the disk support arm 19 moves back to the ready position indicated by the solid line, and stops. The small disk D2 inserted through the insertion slot 3 a of the front bezel 3 reliably receives the holder 21 of the disk support arm 19, to start automated loading.

Note that the loading slider 43 moves back upon rotation of the loading motor 66 at the time of loading. The extendable link arm 54 is pressed by means of the first pivot lever 45 toward the gear tooth disk 59. The extendable link arm 54 shifts to a shorter state, and locked by the lock spring 54 c in this state.

In the above embodiment, the tension coil spring 94 and the slide plate 91 in the return mechanism 90 presses the rack sliding mechanism 65. Alternatively, the disk support arm 19 may be moved back to the advance position before the loading motor 66 is rotated backwards to return the disk support arm 19 to the ready position. Furthermore, an electromagnetic solenoid may be utilized to actuate the rack sliding mechanism 65. Also, a solenoid with a mechanical structure may be used directly to rotate the disk support arm 19.

The construction of the invention is effective in reliably regulating the position of the small disk D2 in the entry, and in reliably moving the disk support arm 19. The effects are acquired by the return of the disk support arm 19 from the advance position of the phantom line to the ready position of the solid line in FIG. 48. However, it is likely that a small disk D2 incidentally comes under the holder 21 of the disk support arm 19 upon entry with a tilt toward the downside. The chuck head 9 may rub the small disk D2 and may damage a recording surface. The same problem will occur with the large disk D1.

In consideration of this, a leading segment 72 is used for exactly orienting any of the large and small disks D1 and D2 even with a downward tilt in the entry. See FIG. 57. The leading segment 72 constitutes a guiding mechanism, and guides a distal end of the periphery of the disk to prevent interference or contact of any of the disks with the chuck head 9. Also, the disk support arm 19 is structurally moved up when the leading segment 72 guides up the distal end half of the disk.

In FIGS. 55A-55C, a structure of moving up the disk support arm 19 is illustrated. A projection with a recess or chamber portion 19 e is formed in the disk support arm 19, protrudes downwards, and has a lower ramp extending downwards toward the holder 21. The chamber portion 19 e is formed by pressing. It is alternatively possible to form a block from a plastic material, and to fasten the block on the lower face of the disk support arm 19. The block can move smoothly on the base panel 6.

While the disk support arm 19 stands by for receiving a disk, the chamber portion 19 e enters the opening 6A in the base panel 6 as illustrated in FIG. 55A. The holder 21 is set at a lower level. Even when the disk is entered in the insertion slot with a downward tilt by sliding a distal end half of the disk on the lifting frame 7, the holder groove 21 a of the holder 21 can receive the distal end half of the disk reliably, because the holder 21 is set downwards and near to the lifting frame 7.

When the disk is pressed further during the support of the disk on the holder 21, the disk support arm 19 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 54. The chamber portion 19 e comes gradually to abut the base panel 6 by rotation of the disk support arm 19 as illustrated in FIGS. 55B and 55C. Thus, the holder 21 moves up. In FIG. 56, the holder 21 moves on the turntable 10 while kept located higher than the chuck head 9. So the recording surface of the disk is enabled to pass the chuck head 9 without contact.

The leading segment 72 is described by referring to FIGS. 57 and 58. The leading segment 72 includes a distal end portion 72 a and a proximal end 72 b. The distal end portion 72 a extends in the direction of moving in the disk and lies beside the turntable 10. Two through holes 72 c are formed in the proximal end 72 b. Screw holes 7 c are formed in the lifting frame 7. Flat head screws 73 are inserted in the through holes 72 c and fasten the leading segment 72 to the screw holes 7 c. The leading segment 72 is supported on the lifting frame 7 in a cantilever manner. The distal end portion 72 a is positioned at a distance from the lifting frame 7.

It is preferable to form a recess in the lifting frame 7 to prevent a distal end half of a disk from interfering with the proximal end 72 b of the leading segment 72. The recess can contain the proximal end 72 b to position the proximal end 72 b at a level flush with or lower than the lifting frame 7. An example of a material of the leading segment 72 is a steel plate with a small thickness, or other materials having flexibility. The leading segment 72 is attached to the lifting frame 7, but may be a portion formed integrally with the lifting frame 7.

A slope is formed on the leading segment 72 with a height increasing toward the distal end portion 72 a, and pushes up the distal end of the periphery of the disk. A ridge 72 d protrudes upwards from the slope, and reduces an area of contact with a disk. An opening 72 e is formed in the proximal end 72 b of the leading segment 72, and sets the leading segment 72 flexible structurally by reducing the rigidity. As the proximal end 72 b of the leading segment 72 is secured to the lifting frame 7, the leading segment 72 does not interfere with movement of the carriage 13 supporting the optical pickup head 12.

A tongue 72 f is a portion of the leading segment 72 extending downwards from the distal end portion 72 a. A retaining end 72 g of the tongue 72 f extends horizontally, and becomes pressed down by an edge of the aperture 7A of the lifting frame 7. A release pin 71 is disposed under the distal end portion 72 a on a lower face of the case chassis 2.

When the lifting frame 7 is set in a disk rotating position, the leading segment 72 is in a free state. The distal end portion 72 a is slightly lower than the turntable 10. A disk rotates without contacting the distal end portion 72 a of the leading segment 72. While the lifting frame 7 moves down from the disk rotating position toward the low position, the distal end portion 72 a becomes received by the release pin 71. As a result, the distal end portion 72 a stops in the predetermined position. The chuck head 9 and the turntable 10 are positioned lower than the distal end portion 72 a when the lifting frame 7 is in the low position. Note that the leading segment 72 and the release pin 71 may be formed sufficiently with high precision in view of precise correlated movement. It is possible that the release pin 71 is structured to contact the distal end portion 72 a when the lifting frame 7 is set in the disk rotating position.

The operation of the leading segment 72 is described now with reference to FIGS. 59A-59E. In FIG. 59A, the lifting frame 7 is set in the disk rotating position during writing or reading on a disk. The disk is set firmly on the turntable 10, and chucked by the chuck head 9. The turntable 10 rotates the disk, on which the optical pickup head 12 writes or reads information. The lifting frame 7 has a flange edge 7 d. The leading segment 72 is in a free state, as located away from the release pin 71 or the flange edge 7 d of the lifting frame 7. The distal end portion 72 a extends horizontally, and does not contact the disk because lower than the turntable 10.

Unloading starts upon a command signal to move out a disk. At first, the lifting frame 7 starts moving up in the unloading which is reverse to the loading. In FIG. 59B, the disk is pressed on the projection 2 b of the top plate when the lifting frame 7 reaches its high position.

Then the lifting frame 7 starts moving down toward the low position. The lifting frame 7 passes the disk rotating position of FIG. 59A, and then reaches the position of FIG. 59C where the release pin 71 receives the distal end portion 72 a of the leading segment 72. Immediately, an inner unrecorded region D1 a or D2 b of FIG. 61 disposed about the center hole D1 b or D2 a comes in contact with the distal end portion 72 a. As the ridge 72 d protrudes from the distal end portion 72 a, the ridge 72 d contacts the inner unrecorded region D1 b or D2 b. There is no problem in writing and reading even in the tight contact of the distal end portion 72 a, because no data are recorded in the inner unrecorded regions D1 b and D2 b.

The lifting frame 7 further moves down to reach the position of FIG. 59D. The inner unrecorded region D1 b or D2 b is pressed up from the chuck head 9 by the distal end portion 72 a. The center hole D1 a or D2 a becomes separate from the chuck head 9.

The lifting frame 7 further moves down to reach the low position of FIG. 59E. The flange edge 7 d of the aperture 7A in the lifting frame 7 presses the retaining end 72 g of the leading segment 72. The leading segment 72 becomes flexed by contact with a top point of the release pin 71, to form an arc shaped slope protruding to the upside. The arc shaped slope has the greatest height at its portion slightly nearer to the proximal end 72 b from the chuck head 9. After the lifting frame 7 is set in the low position, the disk support arm 19 and other elements operate, to move out a disk toward the ejection position.

A disk is inserted in the insertion slot 3 a in the state of FIG. 59E. In FIGS. 60 and 61, the insertion is illustrated. The lifting frame 7 is set in the low position in FIG. 60. The highest point of the slope is slightly higher than the chuck head 9. As a tapered end is included in the top of the chuck head 9, it is possible that the highest point of the slope may be flush with or higher than a lower point of the tapered end. A recording surface of the disk slides relative to the chuck head 9. The recording surface can move past the chuck head 9 smoothly without interference of a distal end half of the disk with the chuck head 9.

When the distal end half of the disk from the insertion slot 3 a reaches the position P1, the distal end half comes to the proximal end 72 b of the leading segment 72. If the distal end half is entered with a downward tilt, the distal end half moves up in contact with the slope of the ridge 72 d of the leading segment 72 and comes to the position P2. In further entry to move the distal end half toward the position P3, the distal end half is pressed up and becomes located higher than the chuck head 9. There is no contact of a recording surface on the chuck head 9. No damage occurs in the recording surface.

When the distal end half of the disk reaches the point P3, the disk enters the holder groove 21 a of the holder 21 of the disk support arm 19 which is ready. Then the disk moves in and reaches the position P4 by pressing the disk support arm 19. The loading motor 66 starts for the above-described automatic loading while the disk is in the position P4.

The holder 21 of the disk support arm 19 in the position P3 is positioned low as illustrated in FIG. 55A. When the holder 21 is in the position P4, the chamber portion 19 e moves to abut the base panel 6 as illustrated in FIG. 55C. The holder 21 moves upwards as illustrated in FIG. 56 in the movement from the position P3 to the position P4. Thus, the distal end half of the disk can be safely moved up by the leading segment 72. Also, the moving up of the holder 21 is effective in keeping a disk from contacting the chuck head 9 in cooperation with the leading segment 72.

In FIGS. 62A-62E, steps of chucking a disk D1 or D2 are illustrated. In FIG. 62A, the disk entered through the insertion slot 3 a moves while guided by the slope of the leading segment 72. Automatic loading starts during the period of guiding the disk on the slope. In FIG. 62B, the disk in the automatic loading is moved to the chuck position where the center of the center hole D1 a or D2 a is positioned at the center of the chuck head 9.

When the disk is set in the chuck position, the lifting frame 7 starts moving up from the low position toward the high position. The flange edge 7 d of the aperture 7A in the lifting frame 7 comes away from the retaining end 72 g of the leading segment 72 in the upward movement, to release the leading segment 72 from the flexed state. The leading segment 72 moves away from the release pin 71 and becomes free. The distal end portion 72 a of the leading segment 72 in this state is lower than the turntable 10.

When the lifting frame 7 moves up further and reaches the position of FIG. 62C, the chuck claws 9 a of the chuck head 9 contact and press up the center hole D1 a or D2 a of the disk. Then the lifting frame 7 moves up to press the disk on the projection 2 b of the top plate as illustrated in FIG. 62D. The chuck head 9 is inserted in the center hole D1 aor D2 a for chucking firmly. After this, the lifting frame 7 slightly moves down from the high position and stops in the disk rotating position. The disk rotating position is a position where a disk is ready to be driven on the lifting frame 7. FIG. 62E is a view similar to FIG. 59A.

In FIGS. 63A and 63B, a preferred embodiment is illustrated, in which an end portion of the leading segment 72 is firmly connected to a lower face 2 d of the case chassis 2. While the lifting frame 7 moves from the low position of FIG. 63A to the disk rotating position of FIG. 63B, a lower surface of the disk comes away from the leading segment 72. The leading segment 72 extends horizontally in the disk rotating position, and is away from a lower surface of the disk. Note that the release pin 71 can be eliminated if the leading segment 72 has a sufficiently high rigidity required for guiding a disk and release of the chucking. Also, an end portion of the leading segment 72 is attached to the lower face 2 d of the case chassis 2, but may be attached to one member which is retained on the case chassis 2.

In any of the embodiments, the optical disk drive is used for loading of any selected one of the large and small disks D1 and D2. Furthermore, an optical disk drive of the invention may be for use only with a large disk, or only with a small disk. In FIG. 64, an optical disk drive 96 or player as optical disk device specified for the large disk D1 is illustrated. The optical disk drive 96 also includes the leading segment 72, the disk support arm 19 and other elements for moving up as described above.

In the present invention, the leading segment 72 can prevent insertion of any of the large and small disks D1 and D2 with a downward tilt at the distal end of the disk. Automatic loading of the large and small disks D1 and D2 can be started by preventing the contact with the chuck head 9, as the disk can be guided reliably to the holder 21 of the disk support arm 19.

In the above embodiment, the release pin 71 of a widely used type of the optical disk drive is utilized for receiving the distal end portion 72 a of the leading segment 72, which can operate for release of a disk from chucking. However, the invention is not limited to this structure. The distal end half of the large and small disks D1 and D2 can be prevented by the leading segment 72 from tilting downwards.

A shape, position and the like of the leading segment 72 can be modified suitably in a condition of extending lower than the turntable 10 when the lifting frame 7 moves up, and extending higher than the turntable 10 when the lifting frame 7 moves down.

Although the present invention has been fully described by way of the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those having skill in this field. Therefore, unless otherwise these changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention, they should be construed as included therein. 

1. A disk device for rotating a disk set in a chuck position and for writing and reading on said disk, wherein in a loading step, said disk entered through an insertion slot of a case is moved to said chuck position by plural arms disposed on a base panel, and in an unloading step, said disk of said chuck position is moved to an ejection position where a proximal end of said disk protrudes externally from said insertion slot, said disk device comprising: a lifting frame, disposed in an opening in said base panel, for moving between a high position and a low position, said lifting frame being settable in a disk rotating position slightly lower than said high position; a disk driving unit, secured to said lifting frame, for chucking said disk set in said chuck position while said lifting frame moves to said high position, for releasing said disk from being chucked while said lifting frame moves to said low position, and for rotating said disk being chucked while said lifting frame is set in said disk rotating position; a leading segment for raising a distal end of a periphery of said disk entered through said insertion slot by forming a slope, said leading segment being disposed on said lifting frame, and having a distal end portion disposed beside said disk driving unit to extend in an insertion direction of said disk, said distal end portion being kept higher than an upper face of said lifting frame when said lifting frame is in said low position.
 2. The disk device as defined in claim 1, wherein a front end of said lifting frame is nearer to said insertion slot, and a rear end of said lifting frame is provided with said disk driving unit and is movable up and down with reference to said front end, and said rear end when in said low position is lower than said base panel.
 3. The disk device as defined in claim 2, wherein said disk driving unit further includes: a spindle motor secured to said lifting frame; a turntable secured to an output shaft of said spindle motor; and a chuck head, disposed to protrude from said turntable, for chucking a center hole of said disk, said chuck head being entered in said center hole while said lifting frame moves to said high position, and being removed from said center hole while said lifting frame moves to said low position.
 4. The disk device as defined in claim 3, wherein said distal end portion of said leading segment is away from a lower surface of said disk when said lifting frame is in said disk rotating position.
 5. The disk device as defined in claim 4, wherein when said lifting frame is in said low position, said chuck head is positioned higher than said base panel, and said distal end portion of said leading segment is substantially flush with or higher than said chuck head.
 6. The disk device as defined in claim 5, wherein said distal end portion of said leading segment extends on said turntable and is opposed to an unrecorded region defined on said disk about said center hole.
 7. The disk device as defined in claim 5, wherein a distal end portion of said leading segment has a ridge for protruding upwards to reduce an area of contact with said lower surface of said disk.
 8. The disk device as defined in claim 5, wherein a proximal end of said leading segment nearer to said insertion slot is secured to said lifting frame and is substantially flush with said lifting frame.
 9. The disk device as defined in claim 5, further comprising a pivotally movable disk support arm having a holder groove for supporting said periphery of said disk, wherein in said loading step, said disk support arm causes said holder groove to receive said periphery of said disk entered through said insertion slot, to move said disk to said chuck position, and in said unloading step, said disk support arm moves said disk from said chuck position to said ejection position.
 10. The disk device as defined in claim 9, wherein said disk support arm has a projection formed to protrude downwards, and said projection, while said disk support arm stands by for disk insertion from said insertion slot, is positioned in an opening of said base panel, and in said loading step, comes to abut said base panel to move said holder groove higher.
 11. The disk device as defined in claim 10, wherein said projection comes to abut said base panel when said holder groove moves past said turntable.
 12. The disk device as defined in claim 5, wherein said distal end portion of said leading segment has a tongue extending downwards, and an end of said tongue is secured to a lower face of said case directly or indirectly.
 13. The disk device as defined in claim 3, further comprising a retainer for receiving said distal end portion of said leading segment while said lifting frame moves from said disk rotating position to said low position, to stop movement of said distal end portion forcibly, wherein said retainer, when said lifting frame is in said low position, keeps said distal end portion substantially flush with or higher than said chuck head, and when said lifting frame is in said disk rotating position, allows said distal end portion of said leading segment to become lower than said turntable.
 14. The disk device as defined in claim 13, wherein said retainer is a release pin secured to said case, for separating said center hole of said disk from said chuck head by receiving a lower surface of said disk with said distal end of said leading segment while said lifting frame moves from said disk rotating position to said low position.
 15. The disk device as defined in claim 13, wherein said lifting frame has an aperture in which said spindle motor is disposed.
 16. The disk device as defined in claim 15, wherein said distal end portion of said leading segment includes a tongue for extending downwards, and a retaining end positioned on said tongue with a bend, and while said lifting frame moves from said disk rotating position to said low position, said retaining end is pressed down by an edge of said aperture of said lifting frame in receiving said distal end portion of said leading segment with said retainer, for smoothly curving and directing said slope upwards.
 17. A disk device, having plural arms for moving a disk in and out of the disk drive through an insertion slot, and a disk driving unit for rotating said disk, said disk driving unit including a turntable on which a chuck head protrudes, and a spindle motor for rotating said turntable, said disk device comprising: a lifting frame, having said spindle motor secured thereto, for moving up and down to cause said chuck head to latch or unlatch a center hole of said disk; a leading segment, disposed on said lifting frame, and having a distal end portion disposed beside said turntable to extend in an insertion direction of said disk and away from said lifting frame, said distal end portion being kept higher than an upper face of said lifting frame when said lifting frame is positioned low, for preventing tilting down of a distal end of a periphery of said disk upon entry of said disk through said insertion slot.
 18. The disk device as defined in claim 17, wherein said leading segment includes a tongue for extending downwards, and a retaining end positioned on said tongue, and while said lifting frame moves down, said retaining end is pressed down by an edge of said aperture of said lifting frame, for smoothly forming a slope of said distal end portion. 